TJHC supports call for child sexual abuse compensation scheme

Published: 13 February 2014

The Truth, Justice and Healing Council says its supports calls by the child sexual abuse support and advocacy organisation, CLAN, for a national child sexual abuse compensation scheme funded by churches and other institutions.

The Council's CEO, Francis Sullivan, said the Council had late last year written to the Attorneys-General of the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments calling on them to start work on a national compensation scheme – with no caps – for victims of child sexual abuse.

'So far we have had positive discussions with the offices of the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government’s with further meetings planned in the months ahead,' Mr Sullivan said.

'We are asking governments around Australia to consider a national scheme with consistent investigative powers and compensation payments which would be funded by the organisations and institutions responsible for the abuse.

'A national compensation scheme, funded by the Church and other organisations and with no caps on payments, is an important first step in taking away from institutions, such as the Catholic Church, the role of investigating complaints and determining compensation for victims.'